1/4/13 NMU hockey line chart: Wildcats at St. Cloud State

MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University hockey team opens 2013 with a road trip to St. Cloud State tonight and tomorrow in St. Cloud, Minn.

Tonight’s contest begins at 8:37 p.m. EST while tomorrow’s game begins at 8:07 p.m. EST.

For a preview of this weekend’s series, check out the Inside 1401 Sports Blog’s NMU Hockey Series Snapshot, which answers the question, “Is St. Cloud a state?”

Some notables from tonight’s NMU lineup include the return of freshman forward Justin Rose to the lineup. He last played Nov. 10 at Miami.

Also, the Wildcats will continue to experiment with sophomore defenseman Mitch Jones at forward. He will center the third line.

Jan. 4, 2013 NMU hockey lineup Forwards

Reed Seckel-Matt Thurber-Erik Higby

Jake Johnson-Stephan Vigier-Ryan Daugherty

Ryan Aynsley-Mitch Jones-Darren Nowick

Cohen Adair-Kory Kaunisto-Justin Rose

Defensemen

Wade Epp-CJ Ludwig

Kyle Follmer-Ryan Trenz

Jake Baker-Scott Macaulay

Goalies

Jared Coreau

Michael Doan

Scratches: Ryan Kesti, Nate Taurence, DJ Vandercook, Brian Nugent, Austin Handley, Robert Lindores